Golfdom, March 2015

I ts that time of year again if not already then soon when landscape beds on and around the golf course beg for a fresh coat of mulch Though bulk mulch applications commandeer a significant chunk of material and labor budgets the benefits are well understood moisture management weed suppression though its not the silver bullet we wish it were and aesthetic value Mulching is an important landscape management tool and as with any tool utilizing it masterfully results in maximized benefits Choosing the right mulch has as much to do with its intended purpose as cost alone Selecting the optimal type of mulch or mulch alternative saves time and maintenance thereafter Heres a quick guide to understanding the different types of mulch including viable alternatives and their appropriate applications Types of mulch Just like different types of turf all mulches are not created equal nor is there a one size fits all for every landscape solution The two most common natural mulches are derived from hardwood or pine products Alternative mulches and groundcovers are also notable resources Hardwood mulch Hardwood mulches are versatile and available in a variety of natural or dyed colors and textures These mulches are denser than their pine counterparts which allows them to retain moisture and smother weed seeds more effectively Its denser nature also makes hardwood mulch heavier and more cumbersome to spread compared Rather than mulch the entire hillside along the right of this cart path the use of liriope groundcover significantly reduces the amount of yearly mulch application The double ground mulch in the foreground stays in place well on the slope to pine mulches Texture single double or triple ground is a significant element and is reflected in the cost The more refined and more expensive products form an effective barrier to weeds and are more likely to stay in place on sloped beds reducing time spent on cleanup after heavy rains than those especially prone to messy runoff However their increased fineness means that they are less durable and need refreshing more often than coarser products Pine mulch The distinct look and smell makes pine mulch a favorite of many club members Its a much lighter product compared to hardwoods making application faster and easier But the lower density makes pine a culprit for floating and washouts after heavy rains Like hardwood mulch pine products also are available in a variety of textures The coarsest of A renewed application of the right type of mulch can produce benefits both visually and financially appealing to a course photos by hannah schrum istock com adshooter By HannaH ScHrum Continued on page 34 32 Golfdom March 2015 Golfdom com

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